More effects for iMovie? (vs FCPX vs Filmora)

[Ledgem]

I've been using iMovie to create family videos, and it works pretty well for my purposes... but some of the effects (titles and transitions) are getting a bit stale. I'd like to spice it up a bit more; are there any other that can be added, whether free or purchased? I did an internet search and the only references to iMovie plugins and add-ons seem to be from ~10 years ago, and the links are dead.

While searching for this, I came across an iMovie alternative called Filmora (previously Wondershare). I don't think it offers much over iMovie, with the exception of an absolutely massive library of (paid) add-on theme packs containing animated elements, titles, and special transition effects. If there are no add-on options for iMovie, this seems like the next best thing.

But it seems a bit silly to go from iMovie to Filmora only for transitions, as they're both otherwise roughly equivalent in terms of editing power. So if there are no add-ons for iMovie, what about Final Cut Pro? I've seen that there are a multitude of plugins and add-ons, but is there anything like Filmora's add-on packs? The add-ons I've seen are pretty nice, but (for better or for worse) still seem very labor-intensive to implement, and they can be quite pricey. The price of Final Cut Pro is fine for me, but spending the equivalent cost of Filmora on a single add-on pack starts to rub me the wrong way...

Thanks for any tips or advice!

 

[Boyd01]

You can try Final Cut Pro for free and see if you like it. There is a fully functional 30 day trial with no restrictions.

https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/trial/

FCP has quite a lot of built-in effects, but there are plenty of other sources for inexpensive add-ons. I've purchased some from FCPEffects.com and they frequently have sales with substantial discounts.

 

[campyguy]

Agreed with Boyd01 on trying the Trial. I did, and I purchased FCPX - I use it just for fun and enjoyment as I found iMovie a bit limiting in the same means you're describing. I spent a bit more and purchased Motion too, it's a lot of fun to use IMHO.

My two tips? First tip, I surfed a bit and purchased discounted iTS cards from eBay and Costco that netted me about a 20% discount that reduced my cost on FCPX and Motion about $50. I'm also planning on purchasing one of the not-yet-released Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K cameras when they show up in the retail channel (I've got a few MFT-mount lenses I can use with it); this Camera will ship with DaVinci Resolve Studio - I've been trying out the free demo of their (second tip) DaVinci Resolve 15 Beta and it's slick (and free) and I'm really impressed with it. It pretty much blows iMovie away IMHO though it's a bit of a learning curve, but it's deep and offers plenty of effects - like FCPX, it's extensible. Blackmagic really has impressed me with their new offerings...